Ryan Howard ties Lou Gehrig’s record with an RBI in 8 straight postseason games

Howard ties Gehrig’s postseason RBI streak

PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard hit a two-run homer in the first inning Monday night to give him eight straight postseason games with at least one RBI, tying Lou Gehrig’s major league record set more than seven decades ago.

Howard connected for Philadelphia in Game 4 of the NL championship series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The streaking slugger has driven in a run in each of the Phillies’ eight playoff games this year. Gehrig’s streak stretched over two postseasons with the New York Yankees in 1928 and 1932.

Howard’s homer off Randy Wolf gave him 14 RBIs this postseason. He has reached base safely in 17 straight playoff games.

“Ryan has been swinging real good, of course,” Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said before the game. “He’s seeing the ball good, he looks real relaxed at the plate, and from a mechanics standpoint, he’s loading up good and he’s staying on the ball. When he’s staying on the ball, he makes more consistent contact. He’s hitting real good right now.”